Club Ride Saturday 8th March 2014

Last weekend, in our different groups, we performed like a barbershop quartet; in perfect harmony. So much so, that on Sunday, with both groups having taken a wrong turn, we still managed to find each other.

Sensibly sticking with a winning formula, this Saturday’s ride was organised on the same lines. Howard and Clive would lead the charge by taking the direct route to the Star Café at Hullavington whilst the rest of us took a more circuitous course.

The difference between success and failure can sometimes be a very narrow margin.

High Street traffic and pedestrians safely negotiated, we climbed the rise on the Foxley Road and veered off towards Corston.  There was a definite spring in our step (pedals) as we set about the task with some purpose.

The sun made short work of burning off the remnants of the early morning mist and there was an unmistakable feeling of summer at last getting just that little bit closer.

Gaining height up through Rodbourne we rode down through Startley, into Great Somerford, across to Seagry and over to Hullavington.

Any mental picture we might have formed of Howard and Clive enjoying their coffee of choice over a slice of cake was quickly laid to rest when we stopped outside of the café. Not only was there no sign of Howard and Clive, the café was closed with nothing to indicate that it would be opening any time soon.

I did feel a little guilty as the venue was my suggestion, but in my defence, I’ve ridden past it a few times not that long ago, when it has been open.  I’ve also seen it on Chippenham Wheelers’ calendar.

After waiting for around ten minutes the unanimous view taken was that Howard and Clive must already have been and gone.  Consumed by our quest for coffee, as opposed to Howard and Clive’s wellbeing, high gears were the order of the day as we tore back to Malmesbury.

Whilst cyclists might be as popular as boils with some motorists, café owners (those that are open anyway) have good cause to smile when a cycling club pays them a visit. In the face of stiff opposition we managed to grab a couple of tables outside of Jackdaws just after they’d been vacated by another group of riders.

Before too long we were joined by Howard and Clive. Apart from a brisk wind which sent the lightweight sugar sachet pot flying, it was a pleasure to enjoy the warmth of the sun. With the awful prospect of our respective partners finding some essential job for us if we returned home too early, there was no rush to get away.